I was tempted to go with the Pella's, but found out there's a class action lawsuit over their defective windows (water leaks). Anyone have an opinion regarding this issue and/or their windows? Or some of the windows I've mentioned?

I agree that the Marvin's are the best of the bunch, however if price is an issue, the Pella architect series (850) is actually not that bad IMO. Their Pro-line is a disgrace, but I have installed the 850's with no complaints... Just don't expect good customer service if any issues do arise.

Marvin are very nice but the Pella Architects aren't bad at all. We have installed them on several jobs with positive feedback. The only issue was glass cracking from poor QA at Pella. Took forever to get sashes too.

i was just at a home show this afternoon talking to a rep about wood windows with extruded aluminum exteriors.... the aluminum is "glued" to the exterior wood for maintence free exterior. What is happening, is the glue is losing it's "stick" and releasing from the wood....which leaves a space for moisture to start working, which eventually lets water run down inside where the glue was and it runs down to the corners of the window and starts rotting the wood... so that is the question I would ask any rep if the window has extruded aluminum exterior, thought to be good. I am starting to ask these questions before I make my choice for windows in a new home

I built a large home in upstate NY in 97-98. Several windows were showing signs of leakage and discoloration within 10 yrs but I thought it was poor caulking. Marvin never mentioned the possible problem when I called them and they sent a rep out to replace one window and charged me a discounted price for it. 2 yrs later all the staining has come back on new replacement wood. I looked more closely at bottom (window seal area which was traditionally caulking). I found that it was not tight against the glass in fact loose. It would certainly allow water inside where the seal should be. the vertical strip actually pulls out some at the base so it definitely is not working as a seal. Another call to Marvin and they claim there is no warranty and they are not taking responsibiity. A check of my other windows shows deterioration of the "caulking seal" on windows exposed to weather. My windows underneath overhangs that are not exposed are very tightso the difference is stunning. I do not recommend Marvin. I never heard about any lawsuit or settlement and will pursue this until they make good and replace my windows. I think it speaks to ethics of company. Why would anyone buy new products from them?